Ashley has been doing sessions with me throughout the year and it was so fun to be her Grand Rapids family photographer as well! We’ve gotten to know each other pretty well over the last few months! Ashley runs a disney blog and instagram so our photo sessions are so fun and whimsical. This time she wanted to include her beloved pups and husband!

I arrived at their house which has a perfect little dead end next to it. This allowed us to be in the street and photograph! Ashley brought out some super cute elements to be included and of course the pups loved every minute! As a Grand Rapids family photographer who’s worked with pups before I knew that having treats in my hand as I snapped away would help everyone. It worked perfectly and everyone sat so perfectly the whole time. Admittedly it was a quick session including the dogs before they got put back inside, but nevertheless it went super well!

Ashley and Dan hadn’t really gotten engagement photos so this was a perfect redo for it! We got some great photos just the two of them which will be perfect for them to hang in their home! It was a lovely time meeting Dan as well and seeing exactly how perfect they are for each other! I hope you guys enjoy the new photos to decorate your home with!

To learn more and hire Liv as your own Grand Rapids family photographer check out the website! For more blog posts like this click the links below!

Deana | Grand Rapids, MI | Grand Rapids Portrait Photographer

Emma and Josiah | Boston Square Church | Grand Rapids Wedding Photographer

Meredith and Greg | Apple Blossom Chapel, Fennville, MI | Grand Rapids Wedding Photographer

Julia and Robert might be one of my favorite couples! Their sweet loving energy is perfect in front of the camera and this Grand Rapids engagement photographer LOVED it! Julia reached out a while back looking for a wedding photographer and when I suggested doing an engagement session as well they were excited! It always helps couples get to know me and become more comfortable in front of the camera before their wedding day!

Julia is a barista at Madcap and Robert works at Spoke Folks, a bike shop! They both have a passion for bike polo, seriously look it up, so cool! It’s been fun watching them on social media enjoy that passion together! We ventured out to Riverside park in Grand Rapids, Michigan which is one of my absolute favorite places. It spans a few miles along the Grand River and offers lots of great scenery for engagement photos. They both love being outside and it was the perfect setting.

From the first photos I snapped I could tell this would turn into an amazing session. Julia and Robert felt a little uneasy but when I told them that awkward means you’re doing it right and gave them some prompts they opened right up. As a Grand Rapids engagement photographer I love when couples aren’t afraid of being silly and going along with my fun ideas! Between the pond, weeping willows, dock, and trees, we got so many great images.

I seriously cannot wait until their wedding next year, if it’s anything like their engagement session it will not disappoint! Keep an eye out for those images! There will be lots of woodsy elements and tons of greenery which is going to be amazing. Plus they have both had lots of practice in front of the camera now!

To see more from Liv Lyszyk Photography or to hire her as your Grand Rapids engagement photographer head over to the website! Feel free to read through the blog posts linked below for more!

Lindsey and Ruben | Kalamazoo, MI | Kalamazoo Portrait Photographer

Michigan Backyard Wedding Photographer | Chelsea and Cody | Coldwater, Michigan

You Put a Ring on it! Now What? | The First 5 Things to Do When You’re engaged

Deana reached out to me looking for a Grand Rapids portrait photographer to capture her brands! She needed some updated headshots and detail shots for her new websites! I was really excited to get the chance to work with her. As a small business owner myself it’s always so fulfilling helping other women push their business to the next level. Solid headshots can make a big impact, especially for social media and websites.

We decided to work around her home in Grand Rapids. She works from home and has a really nice home office set up that was perfect for some of the images. I loved how secluded their home is and it felt like a totally different place. I can see why they love that location so much! We chatted over coffee and got to know each other a bit, realizing we really did have a lot in common! It always helps to have that connection before photographing and helps me pick out important elements to include.

As a Grand Rapids portrait photographer I get to meet a lot of really amazing people and Deana is no different. Her energy is great and she warmed up super quickly! We went down to the water for some photographs, and luckily didn’t fall in! I have a huge fear of stumbling with my cameras around water haha. Thankfully both my equipment and I stayed dry!

This was such a fun session, a great break in the busy wedding season. Even though I consider myself a Grand Rapids portrait photographer it can be hard to find time between weddings, so this was a treat! I can’t wait to watch Deana grow her businesses too and hope that these images are a part of that!

Check out Liv Lyszyk Photography for your Grand Rapids Portrait Photographer needs! Feel free to read through the blog posts linked below to see more!

Dynamic Essence Team Photos | Kalamazoo, MI | Grand Rapids Portrait Photographer

How to Get the Most Out of Your Family Portraits

Josh and Ashley | Meijer Gardens, MI | Grand Rapids Elopement Photographer

This GORGEOUS Detroit country club wedding was such an honor to photograph. I love being a Detroit wedding photographer and getting to see all of the amazing suburbs and hidden gems of the city. This particular place feels like an oasis from the city, perfect for Ann Katherine and Jermaine. There is quite the story behind it too if you read on!

The Couple

Ann Katherine and Jermaine found me online as they are both living in Washington DC area. It was no easy feat planning from so far away but these two absolutely nailed it! Their love story began in the summer of 2015 when the two and a large group of mutual friends attended the Vintage Virginia Wine Fest in Centreville, VA. During the event Jermaine played it cool and stuck with some of his friends, leaving Ann Katherine scanning the crowd for him throughout the day. When the group was departing the venue Jermaine rushed on the bus and saved a seat for himself and Ann Katherine. After a long day of wine tasting the two sat together on the bus ride to Arlington and enjoyed a two ounce bag of Planters peanuts, spontaneous karaoke, and terrible jokes. Unsurprisingly, ten days later Jermaine and Ann Katherine went on their first date! The two enjoyed each other’s company over a few margaritas at a local D.C. Mexican restaurant. Ann Katherine gorged herself on chips while Jermaine was clearly too nervous to indulge. What followed was a month-long courtship, during which Jermaine planned some of the most unique dates, including a night out at the Newseum for a movie premiere. Just before Ann Katherine’s 27th birthday they made it official. Jermaine promises to keep Ann Katherine on her toes with spontaneous dates throughout the marriage!

The Wedding

The couple planned on marrying at a different country club not too far from Meadowbrook, but when they experienced a tragic fire it was up to them to quickly search for a new venue just 2 months before! Luckily Ann Katherine’s mother was able to show them Meadowbrook and they fell in love! Not something every couple has to experience, but I knew if they could get through that everything else would be a breeze!

It was so fun walking into where they were getting ready and just instantly feeling at home. Both Ann Katherine and Jermaine are the most welcoming and kind people I’ve met. They both made sure the day went smoothly and even was ahead of schedule! Any Detroit wedding photographer or any wedding photographer for that matter will tell you that rarely happens! Ann Katherine had her makeup and hair done by Jamie Jean Beauty and looked stunning! She also wore a Lazaro Bridal gown that went so well with Jermaine’s gray suit from Men’s Warehouse.

They opted to not do a first look and seeing Jermaine’s face while Ann Katherine excitedly walked down the aisle was such a sweet moment. We got some great photos of their families and then headed out to explore more of what Meadowbrook Country Club had to offer! I loved getting some time with just the two of them and seeing them interact! These two are perfect for each other! We then enjoyed an amazing dinner and a PACKED dance floor thanks to Detroit DJ Entertainment.

It was a full day with lots of fun, family, and photos! Congrats again to the happy couple! Wishing you the best in your long and happy marriage!

For more information on how to hire Liv Lyszyk Photography feel free to head to the Contact Form to learn more! Check out the blog posts below for more weddings and engagements!

Michigan Backyard Wedding Photographer | Chelsea and Cody | Coldwater, Michigan

Jade and Kevin | Grand Rapids Art Museum and Riverside Park | Grand Rapids Engagement Photographer

Emily and Ang | Grand Haven and Muskegon, MI | LGBTQ Wedding Photographer

I have been putting off blogging this wedding because that means that it’s actually over and I never wanted this day to end. Chelsea and Cody of Wildflower and Whimsy are the absolute best! From the very first email when they first were looking for a Michigan backyard wedding photographer I knew we’d be a perfect fit. Chelsea has the most joyous spirit which balances perfectly with Cody’s quiet and gentle demeanor. They just are so lovely!

The Couple

Chelsea and Cody met on a blind date, a fun story that was shared during their sweet ceremony. She says “Cody & I both knew we loved each other the night we met. He’s the ying to my yang, the peanut butter to my jelly. We are completely different but so the same. We share a mutual love of kindness towards everybody, cherishing the little things and never going to bed angry. Our relationship is nowhere near perfect but we work very hard on it every single day. I know this love will last a lifetime”. The pair owns an incredible home decor business and wanted to include as much of their own work and creations for the day. It turned out so special and perfectly captured the two of them.

The Wedding

This Michigan backyard wedding took place on a relative’s property on Coldwater lake in Coldwater, MI. The house bumps up against a canal which allowed the wedding party to arrive to the ceremony by boat! It was a perfectly Michigan entrance! I love being a Michigan backyard wedding photographer and seeing all of the personal touches that each location adds. As I mentioned Chelsea and Cody made all of the decor which really spiced up the place and made it their own! I loved walking through the space and really getting a sense of their style. I got to capture an incredible first look and then we all headed to a friends property! It was nice getting to go somewhere while family and friends finished up the final touches for the couple. After the ceremony we headed on a quick boat ride and then right into the reception. The homemade taco bar thrilled everyone and the dances brought tears to everyone’s eyes. With both Chelsea and Cody losing a parent the memorial table with photos and the memorial dance was so special.

I’m so happy to know these two, it was an honor being their Michigan backyard wedding photographer. They both embody what it is to have a strong selfless relationship. I know that we will remain close for years to come and I’m just thrilled that they are finally married!

For more info on Liv Lyszyk Photography check out the blog posts below! To get in contact please go to the website and fill out the contact form!

Alicia and Todd | Eaton Rapids, MI | Mid Michigan Wedding Photographer

Emily and Ang | Grand Haven and Muskegon, MI | LGBTQ Wedding Photographer

Lisa and Brit | Downtown Market, Grand Rapids, Michigan | LGBT Wedding Photographer

Alicia and Todd had a classic elegant wedding at English Inn in Eaton Rapids, MI! I was so excited to shoot here, the venue is sprawling and sits against a gorgeous river, the perfect backdrop for their ceremony and photos! I haven’t photographed much in the Mid Michigan area, but was so excited to add Mid Michigan wedding photographer to my resume. Even though it ended up being the hottest day in Michigan EVERRRRR (ok I’m only slightly kidding), we pushed through and got so many amazing photographs!

The Couple

Alicia and Todd have known each other since 1st grade! I imagine they had no clue back then that this would be their future. I absolutely love hearing that couples have known each other for so long, it makes for a pretty great story doesn’t it? Alicia said “We weren’t really friends throughout school, but one day I messaged him on facebook we chatted online for a few weeks, then he asked me for a date, the rest was magic”, cue the happy tears. It was so clear that these two were meant to be together and when I asked them what they were most excited about they said “to marry my best friend”. That’s what it’s all about!

The Wedding

Like I said it was HOT! The instant we went outside of the little cottages where they were getting ready I think we all audibly gasped! I was so impressed with how willing everyone was to walk around the grounds to get those perfect shots. The grounds offer a lot of variety which was so nice, we were able to go down by the river, as well as use the actual Inn for some great photos. The ceremony was short and sweet, their officiant spoke about each of them in such a perfect way. All of the family and guests definitely shed a few tears. There was a lavender toss and it was onto the party! They enjoyed some amazing cocktails and appetizers before going into the reception space. I loved how they kept everything classic and elegant, fitting perfectly with the look of the venue itself. I was really impressed with the staff and service as well! Everyone loved getting down on the dance floor after dinner too! All in all this day was such a fun celebration of the couple, I feel like I got to know them so well and I cannot wait to see them grow through this marriage!

If you are interested in seeing more from Liv Lyszyk Photography check out the linked posts below! Liv Lyszyk Photography is now booking for 2019 weddings and elopements in Grand Rapids, Michigan and beyond! Please use the Contact form on the website or feel free to email livlyszykphoto@gmail.com

Nicole and Andrew’s Sunset Elopement in Fennville, MI

Erica and Nathan’s Intimate Backyard wedding in Fenton, MI

Winnie and Eric’s Michigan State University Engagement session in East Lansing, MI

Ashley and Josh had the most gorgeous intimate Meijer Gardens Elopement! I love being a Grand Rapids elopement photographer, especially when I get to go to one of my favorite venues in the area! These two also did their engagement session at Meijer Gardens in the winter so coming back and seeing how different it is during the summer is a real treat!

The Couple 

These two met online and after dating for 4 years decided it was time to start their lives together as husband and wife! Ashley has such a sweet and caring personality and Josh is so level headed and calm. Getting to know them was so fun, especially since Ashley has an art background and went to Kendall College with me! Both of them said how important it was to keep the ceremony and celebration small and all about family!

The Elopement

Everything was kept simple, about 15 people attended, most of which were close family. Ashley’s dress was simple and elegant, form fitting without being too tight! She looked absolutely incredible with her formal updo and bouquet from Stems Market. Josh rocked the dark gray suit and was definitely one of the most dapper grooms I’ve worked with! 

We did a first look with the two of them but also a father first look which if you ask me was the greatest thing ever! I wish every first look was as incredible and emotional as this one, but quiet intimate moments are amazing too. We headed to the Japanese garden for the ceremony who was officiated by the groom’s brother, something he was very proud to do. After that we got a chance to explore the grounds and even did a secret first dance in the conservatory. 

This gorgeous day was such a fun time! If you are looking for a Grand Rapids elopement photographer check out Liv Lyszyk Photography  and contact for more info! To see more from Liv check out the blog posts below! 

Winnie and Eric’s Adventurous Michigan State Engagement Session! https://livlyszyk.com/winnie-and-eric-michigan-state-university-east-lansing-mi-michigan-engagement-photographer/

Erica and Nathan’s Intimate Backyard Wedding https://livlyszyk.com/michigan-backyard-wedding-photographers/

T and R’s Traditional LGBTQ Wedding https://livlyszyk.com/t-and-r-mason-mi-lgbtq-wedding-photographer/

The Couple

These two have an epic and long love story! Meredith and Greg met at Applebee’s while they both were working. Meredith says “He was a cook, I made the plates pretty.  He was the only one that made my job easier.  We bonded over a love of swimming, Clive Cussler books and our senses of humor.  We love movies, outdoor activities, our pets and 17 years later, decided it’s time to make it official”. When I met Meredith and Greg in person their absolute joy was so apparent and got me super excited to work with them! I was even more excited to check out Apple Blossom Chapel and Gardens because even though I’m a Grand Rapids wedding photographer, and it’s only a short trip away, I hadn’t ever been there!

The Wedding

When describing the wedding Meredith told me they wanted it to feel like a big backyard party with their friends and family. The tented reception space and gorgeous ceremony space felt just like that. They did a gorgeous first look under the old apple tree, and Greg’s reaction was so perfect! We grabbed some wedding party photos and then got ready for the short and sweet ceremony. A little humor, a lot of love, and some vows later, these two were finally married! We were able to enjoy cocktail hour and proceeded to enjoy their huge pig roast! Fun fact, Greg works in catering, so he was able to help prepare a lot of the food we got to taste!

I love when I’m able to connect and meet family and friends at weddings, and this group of people was the best! I chatted with the group at my table and enjoyed hearing the stories about the couple throughout the years. The couple is clearly so loved by everyone they meet! I enjoyed getting to take them out during sunset and getting some more photos, as well as their gorgeous sparkler exit!

Being a Grand Rapids wedding photographer I’m always on the lookout for amazing venues in the surrounding areas. Apple Blossom was the perfect place for this couple and I’m so glad we were able to get so many amazing photos! Congrats you two!

Thank you to Apple Blossom Chapel, Pistachio’s catering, Redefine Med Spa, and Dixie May Donn for their help in making this day special! Congrats again to Meredith and Greg on their gorgeous Michigan Summer wedding!

If you are looking for a Grand Rapids wedding photographer and would like more info please use the contact form on my website or email livlyszykphoto@gmail.com to see more check out these blog posts below!

Nicole and Andrew | Apple Blossom Chapel and Gardens | Sunset Elopement Photographer

Winnie and Eric | Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI | Michigan Engagement Photographer

Emily and Maija | Grand Rapids, MI | LGBT and Same Sex Photographer

I knew Genna and Nolan in high school. If you would have asked me who was “most likely to get married” it would be them. If you would have asked me who was “most likely to become a Grand Rapids engagement photographer” I would have hoped it’d be me! Well I guess we both won because these two are finally tying the knot and I get to capture it! We picked an absolute perfect day for doing photos, and it was so fun catching up.

The Session

Genna and Nolan weren’t too sure where they wanted to do their photos. Understandable since there are so many amazing places! I asked them if they’d be willing to come up to Grand Rapids from Kalamazoo. They were totally down and we picked Provin Trails! This park is massive and full of amazing spots for photos. Plus it’s dog friendly, a plus for their sweet pup! When we first got there we walked into the park a bit before getting some photos with them and their furry family member. Once we got some good photos with Oliver he hung out in the car for a  little bit. Don’t worry, the air was on and he was jamming to his favorite music!

We walked a bit more and really got to go to the best places in the park. I was so happy they trusted me to be creative and pick some good spots. It’s been a fun season of life for me to see people I know getting married. In fact, most of my weddings for next year are friends! It makes my job super fun and easy because I already know so much about them! I think knowing your photographer can really help you open up and be more comfortable!

I’m so excited to get to work with these two in January! They will be my first wedding for next year and I’m pumped! And if you need a Grand Rapids engagement photographer hit me up! Booking season is right around the corner!

 

Nicole and Andrew had the most gorgeous intimate wedding early this June! They needed a sunset elopement photographer and while I never thought I be so lucky, I got chosen to capture their big day! With only about 15 people in attendance, they wanted this evening to be simple and all about joining their family together. Hearing all about their plans got me so excited for this challenge! I’m so happy with how it turned out!

Their Story

After meeting online the two instantly had a connection. Nicole says that they didn’t sleep for the first few weeks. After their first date it was love at first sight and they haven’t left each other since. Andrew’s son is a huge part of their love story and Nicole is so happy to help raise him. During the ceremony there was a special gift for him, but you’ll have to read about that below! Even before meeting them I could tell how much they cared for each other.

The Wedding

This was my first time at Apple Blossom Chapel and Gardens in Fennville, Michigan. It’s a quaint little place nestled in amongst the trees and is perfect for weddings of all sizes. This elopement was held in the tiny chapel on the property. I never considered myself a sunset elopement photographer especially because before this year I didn’t had a ton of night time portrait experience. So I’m glad that I had the experience to make it the best it could be! Anyway, during their short and sweet ceremony Nicole surprised their son with an engraved watch. Seeing her take the time to make it special for him as well was a testament to her sweet nature. I don’t think there was a dry eye!

After the ceremony we snapped some family photos and then proceeded around the property to experiment and play with my lighting to get some portraits. I absolutely loved having so much time to spend with just the two of them. Normally I’m feeling restrained by a timeline so this was a real treat! I think it really turned out well!

I’m so happy that now I can say that I’m a sunset elopement photographer! These two were so gracious and sweet throughout the whole process. They are definitely stuck with me as their lifelong photographer now! Congrats again you two! I can’t wait to see you grow as a new family!

Congrats again to Nicole and Andrew! For more information on hiring Liv Lyszyk as your wedding photographer feel free to fill out the contact form to get in touch! To see more amazing couples check out the blog posts below!

Meredith and Greg | Apple Blossom Chapel, Fennville, MI | Grand Rapids Wedding Photographer

Erica and Nathan | Michigan Backyard Wedding | Michigan Wedding Photographers

Lisa and Brit | Downtown Market, Grand Rapids, Michigan | LGBT Wedding Photographer